DIY Shark Costume

As you may already know I am part of the Michaels Makers program, a group of creative bloggers tasked with taking on fun challenges every month to show off Michaels robust inventory. This month’s challenge is all about DIY Costumes!

My little guy is all about sharks and marine life. Last year’s birthday party was in a shark theme and the obsession continues, he asked to be a shark this year.

If you have a shark lover in your household, follow these simple instructions to make your own DIY Shark Costume.

No-Sew DIY Shark Costume

Materials:

Second hand or inexpensive grey sweat suit with a hoodie

1 large sheet of white felt

2 smaller sheets of white felt

1 large sheet of grey felt

1 smaller sheet of red felt

Sharp scissors

Fabric glue (Fabric Fusion is great)

Directions:

Cut the edges of the large white felt sheet to make an oval shape.

Line the felt onto the center of the sweatshirt, and cut it along the middle (lined up with the zipper).

Apply the fabric glue to the bottom of the felt and press it on to the sweatshirt. Be sure to smooth it out with your fingers. Let is sit to dry for a few minutes and go back and glue any edges you may have missed.

Cut triangles out of the smaller pieces of the white felt sheets across the long side. Cut the red felt also along the long side, about 1.5″ thick.

Glue the red pieces onto the white pieces, allow to dry for a few minutes.

Glue the ‘teeth’ to the inside rim of the hood, one on either side.

Let it sit and dry a couple of hours to overnight.

Make the Shark Fin:

Draw a fin shape on to cardboard and cut it out. Use the cardboard cut out as a template to cut two equal pieces of grey felt making sure to leave a little extra room on the straight side.

Glue the felt on to either side of the cardboard. Allow to dry. From the extra length of felt, glue the fin to the back of the sweatshirt in the center. You can opt to use good ol’ fashioned needle and thread here, but the glue is pretty sturdy. Allow to dry completely, and add more glue as needed.

Add eyes:

Cut out small ovals of white felt, and smaller circles in the grey to make eyes. Glue and let dry.

Your kid will be the cutest fish on the block!

This is a great way to upcycle an old sweat suit that would otherwise end up in the garage sale bin.

An easy, inexpensive and most of all FUN DIY Shark Costume in no time!